| This week a committee of MPs debated an amendment to the Online Safety Bill that would mean it properly tackles harmful health misinformation. Together with supporters like you, Full Fact has been pushing for the Bill to be strengthened in exactly this way—being clear about what types of harm it will cover. We think the inclusion of harmful health misinformation is an essential change. |
| Two years on from the outbreak of a global pandemic, it should be obvious that false or misleading claims about our health should be included in the types of online content addressed by the Bill. A few weeks ago Full Fact’s chief executive, Will Moy, warned MPs that as it stands, the Online Safety Bill fails to meet the Government’s aim to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. Our fact checkers have seen first hand how Covid-19 misinformation has undermined public health, conspiracy theories have led to offline attacks, and disinformation—including on the war in Ukraine—has spread unchecked. Digital minister Chris Philp told MPs this week that the Government agreed with the intention behind the amendment to tackle harmful health misinformation. And yet, disappointingly, the Government voted against the proposed changes. This leaves a huge, and dangerous, gap in the Online Safety Bill. But there is still time for Parliament to close it. |
| Every MP will soon be able to vote on changes to the legislation that could limit the damage caused by bad information, end internet companies’ ability to make unaccountable decisions for UK internet users, and protect our freedom of expression.7 out of every 10 MPs have now received at least one email from a Full Fact supporter asking them to make the most of their vote. Let’s make that 10 out of 10. |
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